Read these details concerning an American Airlines flight heading from New York's JFK airport to Indianapolis, and at the end see if you are surprised by the result.

Abdulaziz Al-Shammari, a Saudi Arabian citizen, was on a flight from New York's JFK Airport to Indianapolis. He had arrived in New York from Saudi Arabia by way of Qatar.

Al-Shammari reportedly had paced up and down the aisle of the jet before finally approaching the cockpit door. According to witnesses in the cabin and the pilot behind the closed door he had then tried to open it.

Another passenger approached, took Al-Shammari by the arm and took him back to his seat. When he asked Al-Shammari if he was looking for the bathroom, Al-Shammari shook his head.

After landing police confiscated a note that Al-Shammari had written on the plane in Arabic (this is not a crime but the contents once translated may have indicated the intent to commit one).

Questioned on the ground Al-Shammari was said to speak little English although he did speak enough to answer the other passengers question about the bathroom on the plane.

During questioning Al-Shammari once again understood enough English to relay the fact that he was a student at the University of Indianapolis.

A University of Indianapolis spokesman when asked said that they have no record of Al-Shammari being a student.

Because Alshammari did not currently appear on any terrorist watch list he was released with no charges filed.

Summary: A passenger attempts to open a cockpit door on a commercial jetliner. He then lied about his background but was not arrested simply because he did not currently appear on any terrorist watch list? Lovely!

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Michael Haltman writes The Political Commentator, with articles having been picked up by publications such as The Wall Street Journal, Chicago Sun-Times and Houston Chronicle. He focuses much of his writing on national security, the war on terror, the presidency and politics as usual. Living in New York, aware that Americans have short memories and our enemy's great patience, he hopes that his articles will help keep us vigilant and aware. Michael welcomes any questions or comments at exetertraining@aol.com.